After the introduction of the royal family of Fernvale we headed back to the ballroom. And the entire way back, Nikolai kept his arm snaked around my waist. However, I still couldn't stop thinking about Will. I could feel his stare boring into my back, eventually I had to chose to ignore it.
That was about half an hour ago now. All the others that were invited have now arrived. That consists of my parents, the kingdom of Luport, the kingdom of Maypuck, and some other royals too.
I was now talking to Prince Ashton as a way to avoid my father, wherever that prick was. But this ruse to avoid him turned to benefit me. I am enjoying my conversation very much.
"Have you seen Nikolai's face, you know because you are engaged to him and all!" Ashton blurbs out.
"U-uh well no." I reply bluntly. I'm not about to lie and say I have, because I know that even Matteo and Benedict haven't seen his face. And they've been friends for years.
He only answers back with a confused look and a hum. Trying to change the topic I ask about his two brunette companions, "So, are Gregory and Will your brothers?"
"Well yes but we're not blood related. Gregory is adopted and so is Will, I'm the only Teckett brother that is actually related to mum and dad." He answers happily.
Will's adopted? Interesting.
Before I can ask more about the man, another voice joins our conversation, "Arabella, your parents are practically dying to see you, stop avoiding them."
It's Nikolai. I can tell he's trying to act all lovey-dovey, smiling and holding in ways only a lover should. He quickly lets me go, "Okay. I'm sorry Prince Ashton, my parents await me." I bid my farewell with a smile, grabbing Nikolai's arm and walking towards my mother and father.
But as we are waking I can't help but feel like someone is watching me. Curious, I turn my head. Will. He's staring at me, as if to try and study me. It's creepy. My grip on my fiancés bicep strengthens. He notices and looks down at me, silently telling me that's whatever i'm worrying about isn't worth it.
"Oh! Arabella, I've missed you so much!" My mothers voice is loud and genuine. She pulls my away form Nikolai and into a hug. It's nice to finally see her again.
"Anastasia, she's been gone for a week, stop embarrassing yourself." a stern voice reminds her. We leave our embrace and I glare at the man.
I certainly haven't missed my father, quite the opposite actually. He's the one who put me in this mess.
"I will be right back, I have to do something," Nikolai cuts in our conversation, then he walks off to the small stage at the front of the ballroom.
"Father." is all I say to greet him.
"You know you should be greatful for what I did for you. Marrying that Witlock boy will give Raeywell so much more power." he tries to argue back.
"No. You-" my hushed rebuttal is cut short by a loud, familiar voice.
"Thank you all for coming tonight! As most of you know, this ball is to celebrate the engagement of me and my lovely fiancé, princess Arabella of Raeywell," All eyes land on me, including Nikolai's, "And for the many of you asking, the King and Queen are currently down south for business. But thank you all for coming here tonight, It's greatly appreciated." Nikolai finishes the speech with a smile and clapping fills the room.
After that wonderful welcoming I turn back to my parents to continue our argument. But when I do so, they are both looking behind me, pale faced and shocked expressions. I follow their eyes to be me with no other than Prince Will.
Why do my parents look so scared? Well not scared but shocked. And why has Will been the centre of everything tonight? What is going on?
"Mother! Father!" I snap them out of their daze. They quickly break their eye contact with the brown haired prince and look back at me. My mother still looks shaken up, and my father just glances towards her with a look of, 'How?'. Which just furthermore confuses me.
Okay, I'm done with this. Some food sounds really good right now. Leaving my parents I make my over to the food table, only being stopped my a kind server named Vince. He offers me a cold glass of champagne which I gracefully accept.
Finally at the food table I grab a small strawberry pastry. I look around the large room to see Benedict standing with a brunette man I haven't seen before. He is wearing a grey suit with a purple tie, complimenting Benedict's orange tie. I'll have to ask Benedict about him later.
"Hi, excuse me are you Princess Arabella?" A small female voice asks.
I quickly turn around to face the woman. She had long brown hair and a lovely fairy with roses embedded throughout it.
"Yes, I am. Pleasure to meet you." I say back.
"Oh, well my name is Princess Hannah from the kingdom of Luport. And the pleasure is mine." she replies kindly. We talk back and forth for a while until four more men walk over to us.
"Hannah, we were looking for you! Oh, Princess good evening." The man says with a warm smile. He has brown king hair and a red and black suit on.
"My name is David. This is Shaun, Samuel, and King Edwin. We come from the Luport kingdom." David introduces the men. I nod and smile.
"Congratulations on your engagement your highness!" King Edwin comments.
Congratulations. Haven't heard that yet. It's strangely refreshing. I thank him, and smile at the others. We all start talking. It very entertaining hearing all the stories from other kingdoms. Although, I knew Will was watching me the whole time. I could feel it, and I hated it. What could he possibly want.
I heard footsteps behind me, "I'm so sorry to cut this short David, but I would like to steal Arabella for a dance." Nikolai seemingly coming out of nowhere.
They all greet the prince, then say their goodbyes to me. Nikolai pulls me away from them.
"Why did you do that. I was actually having a good time," I complain to him in a hushed tone.
"We haven't danced together once this whole night. Some men from the kingdom of Maypuck are starting to ask too many questions. So smile and dance with me." He replies in the same quiet manner.
We now stand in the middle of the dance floor. I can see the musicians getting ready to play the next piece. I also notice many more people join us. Almost everyone is now is pairs, set in a line along the floor. Me and Nikolai get ready. His hand holds mine, and the other hold my waist. My free hand rests on the shoulder. His hands provide warmth against my skin. I take a big breath as the music starts...
-
-
-
sorry for continuing this thing over a few chapters lmao. but thank you for reading :)
1209 words
YOU ARE READING
Tied to the Throne
Romance"This marriage is nothing but an alliance to me. Don't expect anything else, because you won't get it. I will never love you." "It felt as if my parents had tied me to the throne. Tied me to him." - A princess and a prince, forced into a marriage th...
